Green Bay Packers v. Ravens: Behind Enemy Lines
By Paul Bretl
Who is one player on offense and one on defense that Green Bay Packers fans may not be familiar with but could make a big impact on Sunday?
Justin: Right now, it’s looking like Tyler Huntley will be the starting quarterback for the Ravens this Sunday. I’d say he perfectly qualifies for the first part of that question. Huntley started Week 11 and played most of last week’s game filling in admirably for Jackson. He’s proven to be a competent NFL backup and there are times where he looks like Jackson out there with his mobility and escapability. Packers fans should probably be pretty familiar with him by the end of the game, assuming he starts.
On defense, injuries have forced a ton of guys into the lineup who the Ravens never expected to play. I’d pay attention to Anthony Averett on Sunday. He somehow finds himself as the de facto CB1 now and could be matched up with Davante Adams when he’s lined up out wide. Averett might make an impact this weekend, but it might not be the impact that Ravens fans are hoping for.
Takeaway: Huntley was an undrafted rookie in 2020 out of Utah and has appeared in three games this season for the Ravens. He has completed 68 percent of his 85 pass attempts while averaging 6.21 yards per attempt with one touchdown and one interception. Huntley also has 85 rushing yards on 13 attempts.
On Thursday, Matt LaFleur told reporters that he expects a similar game plan regardless of who is in at quarterback. Jackson has missed both practices this week, and the NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo said that it looked like an “uphill battle” for Jackson to play on Sunday.
Averett has been on the field for 491 coverage snaps this season, most of which have occurred on the boundary. He has allowed 49 completions on 89 targets at 14.8 yards per catch. Averett also has three interceptions, eight pass breakups, and a passer rating when targeted of 79.0.